Huber Heights YMCA taking over district latchkey program
Huber Heights YMCA taking over district latchkey program
Dayton Daily News
By William Kirby
July 25, 2011
As more and more parents of school-age children became part of the workforce, the need for quality and affordable before and after school childcare increased. In response to the increasing demand for childcare services, the Huber Heights City School District began offering latchkey services approximately 20 years ago after receiving a grant from the Ohio Department of Education.
The initial premise was that the districts latchkey program become a self-supporting operation. Unfortunately, the costs associated with the program continued to increase and for the past several years, it began running a $30,000 to $50,000 deficit. In order to keep the latchkey program afloat, the program had to tap into the general fund. The districts financial status and the programs burden on the general fund prompted us to look at the possibility of continuing the program by utilizing the services of an outside agency.
After considering different proposals, the district has opted to enter into a contract with the Huber Heights YMCA for before and after school childcare. During the 2010 -11 school year, about 50 children throughout the district attended the latchkey program housed at one school, Kitty Hawk. Beginning with the 2011 12 school year, the latchkey program will be expanded to include all five new elementary schools. According to the new arrangement, the school district will get 2.5 percent of the revenue collected by the YMCA.
The reputation of the YMCA is exemplary, and it is the United States largest provider of childcare programs. The organization is known for providing family-centered, values-based programs to nurture childrens healthy development.
The YMCA Child Care programs operate under standards set forth by childcare licensing by the State of Ohio, and in addition to the standards and guidelines developed by the YMCA of the USA.
All sites are state licensed and meet or exceed the state-mandated ratio of teacher to students. Full-time and part-time rates are available in order to accommodate a variety of work schedules and family needs.
An informational meeting for parents interested in the YMCA Child Care Program is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Huber Heights YMCA. Lindsey Bales is the childcare director and can be reached at (937) 937-9622.
To contact Kirby, call (937) 237-6300 or e-mail william.kirby@huberheightscityschools.org.